LAD #10: Monroe Doctrine

In the Monroe Doctrine, in order to satisfy the agreements made with the governments of imperial Russia and Britain, President Monroe initially declared that the American continents are free and independent of any chance of being colonized. From this, Monroe then transitions onto the issue of international alliances given the Civil Warfare in Spain. The United States is ultimately forced to once again choose neutrality, while recognizing the claims of the Spanish rebels for independence while also justifying that they are not a legitimate government in themselves. This, in turn, allows America to not interfere with the concerns of "de-facto" governments. Too, this neutrality guarantees that this still vulnerable nation will not become absorbed in the conflicts and allied systems throughout the European Union, as the policies of the Eastern hemisphere often do not parallel those of the Western world. Monroe claims that this is because America now holds the power to act only when individual rights and liberties are no longer being protected under a governmental system on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. Thus, America is allowed to prepare their defense against such oppressions. Lastly, Monroe designates that any involvement with the allied systems throughout the European powers will only result in conflict and unhappiness, allowing neutrality to be the only logical option.